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“We saw enough of [Griffen] at linebacker where we feel that [defensive end] is going to be better for him,” Frazier said, according to KFAN.com’s AJ Mansour. “We talked to him Sunday night when we got back and he agrees that it’s better to be able to focus on that position.”

With Griffen losing roughly 20 pound sin the offseason, will he add some back to get back to the 265 range. I like Griffen playing at a lighter weight, I think that will make him more explosive, whether that be at DE, DT or LB.

Griffen wasn't going to beat out Erin Henderson for playing time at weakside linebacker, and there was an obvious need for a credible backup at defensive end. But the experiment wasn't a total waste, I don't think. Griffen has appeared effective as a stand-up defensive lineman in the Vikings "3-3" nickel package, and spending some time in a linebacker role could only help his comfort level in that alignment.

In the end, the real test will be whether defensive coordinator Alan Williams can find a way to get Griffen regular work at defensive end. Jared Allen played more snaps (1,004) than any defensive end in the NFL last season. Robison was close behind. There is no reason to wear down starters to that extent -- as long as there is a viable alternative. Now, there is.

YES!! I love the 3-3 nickel package. Brilliant. Why have an extra DT in obvious pass downs when you could put that player in coverage or for a perfectly timed blitz. This is what I was kind of thinking, Griffen probably will never be a permanent DE or LB. Could be both. in the 3-3 defense, I would expect Allen/Robison at RE/LE, Kevin Williams at DT and Griffen at OLB as a blitzer.

the Packers run a 2-4 nickel package. I think having more guys on the line in obvious passing downs is becoming cumbersome for stopping passing attacks.

Everson Griffen has embraced the versatile role the Vikings have given him, and made three of the defense's biggest plays against Detroit. He can rush from the edge or from the tackle spot, and he's occasionally asked to drop into coverage as a hybrid linebacker/lineman.

Frazier: "He's understanding what we want from him. He's pretty clear now on exactly what the expectations are. And we do a lot of different things with him. He's a heck of a special teams player as well. So now we're at a point where we're getting the most out of him in each situation. And that's great for our football team."

Griffen: "I'd like to be among the league leaders in sacks. I've got to keep on working. You can't let that get to your head. If I do it next week, I've got to keep on doing it. That's how you make a statement. When my career is over, I just want to be remembered as someone who went hard on every play."

Griffen: "I'd like to be among the league leaders in sacks. I've got to keep on working. You can't let that get to your head. If I do it next week, I've got to keep on doing it. That's how you make a statement. When my career is over, I just want to be remembered as someone who went hard on every play."

I think at some point, the Vikes need to consider starting Griffen at LE. Granted Griffen seems to perform well as a situational pass rusher, I just see him as a potential upgrade at LE. Robison has been disappointing as a starter this year and is probably a better situational pass rusher.

I like Griffen a lot and I hope he can get double digit sacks this year.

Griffen: "I'd like to be among the league leaders in sacks. I've got to keep on working. You can't let that get to your head. If I do it next week, I've got to keep on doing it. That's how you make a statement. When my career is over, I just want to be remembered as someone who went hard on every play."

I think at some point, the Vikes need to consider starting Griffen at LE. Granted Griffen seems to perform well as a situational pass rusher, I just see him as a potential upgrade at LE. Robison has been disappointing as a starter this year and is probably a better situational pass rusher.

I like Griffen a lot and I hope he can get double digit sacks this year.

I can agree with this. Allthough I don't think Griffen should be on every down. Give him the majority, but give Robison some time too.

But I think he makes more of an impact when he's on the field then compared to Robison.

But other than incorporating Griffen into the Defensive End/Linebacker spots, I'd like to see D'Aundrae Reed get some playing time too. You don't want to see your Defensive Ends have a great 3/4 of the year, and at the end of the year just look slow and tired. Incorporate players into the lineup to keep everyone fresh. I think we have the talent to do just that._________________

Everson Griffen really seems to be finding his way in the NFL. I rememeber being excited when we drafted him thought he was a gem in the 4th and still do. Hope to see him starting over Robison who hasn't had nearly the impact he had last year.